1

Airport Traffic Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Airport Traffic Control information

See salary details

$25.5K

$92.5K

$182K

How much do airport traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport traffic control in the United States is $92,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airport traffic controller?

To thrive as an Airport Traffic Controller, you need strong situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and a degree or equivalent experience, along with FAA Air Traffic Control certification. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and flight tracking software is essential for managing aircraft movements. Exceptional communication, quick decision-making, and stress management are crucial soft skills for handling high-pressure situations. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and orderly flow of air traffic, minimizing risks and delays in busy airport environments.

What is the difference between Airport Traffic Control vs Air Traffic Control?

AspectAirport Traffic ControlAir Traffic Control
CertificationsFAA Tower Certification, Radar EndorsementFAA Radar Endorsement, Enroute Certification
Work EnvironmentAirport towers, ground and tower controlEnroute centers, radar facilities
Employer & IndustryAirports, airlines, government agenciesFAA, military, commercial airlines

Airport Traffic Control primarily manages aircraft movements within airport airspace and runways, focusing on takeoffs, landings, and ground operations. Air Traffic Control covers a broader scope, including enroute traffic between airports. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in work environment and scope of responsibilities.

What are some common challenges airport traffic controllers face during peak travel times, and how are these managed?

During peak travel times, airport traffic controllers often face increased air traffic volume, compressed scheduling, and heightened coordination demands. These challenges are managed through precise communication, reliance on advanced radar and scheduling systems, and close collaboration with ground control and airline operations. Controllers must stay alert and adaptable, efficiently prioritizing tasks to maintain safety and minimize delays. Regular training and teamwork are essential to successfully navigate these high-pressure periods.

What is an airport traffic controller?

Airport traffic controllers are professionals responsible for coordinating the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on the ground and in the immediate airspace around airports. They manage takeoffs, landings, and ground traffic to prevent collisions and minimize delays. Their communication with pilots ensures that all aircraft follow established procedures and maintain safe distances from each other. Airport traffic controllers work in control towers and must remain alert and decisive, especially during busy periods or in adverse weather conditions.

What cities are hiring for Airport Traffic Control jobs?

Cities with the most Airport Traffic Control job openings:

What states have the most Airport Traffic Control jobs?

States with the most job openings for Airport Traffic Control jobs include:

Infographic showing various Airport Traffic Control job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,458 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Robinson Aviation

Jacksonville, FL โ€ข On-site

$41.79/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description


Summary
Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Air Traffic Control Tower.

Dimensions of Position
Works under the general supervision of the Tower Manager who relies on the incumbent to perform established duties independently. On new or revised procedures, the manager gives detailed instructions and observes, and checks work during or immediately after completion according to complexity of the task or until satisfied the incumbent can perform it independently.

Accountability

1. Makes decisions involving:

  • The order of departures that will assure all aircraft equitable treatment and will assure that departing IFR flights operate at the fix, altitude, and the time designated by the center or approach control clearances.
  • The times and direction of takeoff and any turns necessary for departure.
  • Whether inbound aircraft are to land immediately or circle and whether distances are lengthened to control the arrival of an aircraft at a given point.
  • The active runway and possible simultaneous use of other runways.
  • The time and methods by which arrivals and departures can be interspersed with the least delay to traffic.
  • When landing and departing aircraft are cleared to use the runways to assure standard separation between aircraft on the runways.
  • The sequence of arriving traffic, before it enters the traffic pattern, to assure a safe, orderly flow of aircraft on final approach to the landing runway.
  • That IFR separation standards are applied, as delegated by approach control of the center, in limited areas around the airport to provide initial separation between

IFR arrivals and IFR departures and between successive IFR departures.

  • The sequence of VFR and IFR traffic, using radar equipment as an aid and, when delegated, separating IFR traffic.
  • When VFR flights through the airport traffic area can be authorized.

2. Determines the usability of communications frequencies available to him/her as other navigational aids used to control air traffic. Monitors navigational aids and monitors control panels, including BRITE display to determine acceptability of its alignment and display presentation. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies/radar beacon codes.

3. When appropriate, coordinates with the other controllers on movements of both arrival and departure aircraft.

4. When traffic conditions warrant, controllers in non-approach terminals are responsible for:

  • Preplanning traffic sequencing and separation over an area which may reach out to a radius of 5 miles or more.
  • Preplanning and setting up check points required to ensure the maintenance of necessary traffic separation.
  • Maintaining a continuous mental picture and evaluation of a constantly changing traffic complex frequency dispersed over an equivalent geographic area.
  • Maintaining continuous radio watch with aircraft which have previously contacted the facility.
  • Accepting responsibility to handle IFR traffic at his/her airport.

5. Studies weather bureau reports and forecasts, obtains LAWRS/SAWRS weather certification, observes weather from the tower and records pilot reports to determine the effect of present and anticipated weather on traffic; furnishes aircraft with information such as field conditions, altimeter settings, weather conditions, operating status of navigational aids, and observed malfunctioning of aircraft, forwards to the weather bureau and the appropriate center, pilot weather reports and reports based upon personal observation of weather conditions; operates light guns, runway lights, field lighting, jet barriers etc.

6. Orients pilots of aircraft lost or in difficulty; determines whether a given situation may operations offices, airport management offices, and fire and ambulance services.

7. Performs lower grade level duties as necessary to meet operational requirements and for proficiency maintenance.

8. Provides OJT training to others.

Requirements

Individual must have a CTO Certificate and a current Class II Medical Certificate. Position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident). Individual must have held a Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) with a facility rating or have held an FAA Credential with a tower rating, for a minimum of six months in an Air Traffic Control Tower.

Pay: $41.79 Per Hour

HW Rate: $4.98